Japan to Provide 4.8 Million Won for Childbirth Starting Next Year... Costs Shared Across All Generations

Review of Increasing Current 420,000 Yen Support Fund
Childbirth Costs Not Covered by Health Insurance
Consideration of Financial Burden for Elderly Aged 75

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Japanese government is reportedly considering raising the lump-sum childbirth and childcare allowance to 500,000 yen (approximately 4.8 million won) starting next year, according to the Asahi Shimbun on the 7th.

According to the report, Kato Katsunobu, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, visited the Prime Minister's Office the day before and reportedly reported the proposal to increase the lump-sum childbirth and childcare allowance to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. The Asahi Shimbun stated that Prime Minister Kishida has expressed a policy to significantly increase the lump-sum childbirth and childcare allowance and will decide whether to raise the amount.

The Japanese government has increased support funds as the birth rate has rapidly declined every year. Last year, the number of births in Japan was recorded at 811,604, the lowest in 122 years since statistics began in 1899. This year, it is estimated to fall below 800,000.

In particular, Japan does not apply health insurance to delivery costs such as cesarean sections, so the cost burden borne by the mother (about 4.5 million won per person) is high. The currently set lump-sum childbirth and childcare allowance is about 420,000 yen, and if the obstetric medical compensation system premium of 12,000 yen paid to children with cerebral palsy at birth is included, about 490,000 yen (approximately 4.7 million won) can be supported.

However, the Asahi Shimbun stated, "The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is considering reforming health insurance so that people aged 75 and older also bear the financial burden, on the premise that childcare costs are the responsibility of all generations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.